Montessori World Educational Institute
Montessori World Educational Institute
Board
Mary Kern
Mary Kern received her Bachelors Degree in Child Development from Cal Poly State University in 1980 and her Masters Degree in Early Childhood education, also from Cal Poly, in 1990. She was fortunate to study Montessori with Margaret Homfray and Phoebe Child and received her Montessori Primary Diploma in 1981. During the course of her Montessori study she had the privilege of helping Miss Homfray and Miss Child settle into their life in San Luis Obispo and for caring for Miss Child during her time here.
Mary founded the Montessori Children’s School in San Luis Obispo in 1983. The school began with a Primary class, moved on the add lower elementary and then began the upper elementary in 1998. Throughout these additions and changes Mary has had the opportunity to support and guide children, families and teachers in many aspects of education about children and about life.
In addition to her work at the school, Mary has also taught courses at Cal Poly State University in the administration of childcare centers and in general child development. She has also been a teacher trainer for the Montessori World Educational Institute, teaching courses at the Primary level and serving as a tutor for those students enrolled in the home study portion of the program. Serving on the board of the Montessori Institute is an honor for her as well as serving as a past commissioner for First 5 of San Luis Obispo County.
Mary has been happily married for the last 30 years and has 3 adult children for whom she loves to cook. She enjoys reading, cooking, walking, and her eclectic group of farm animals.